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HJR 10

Proposing a constitutional amendment relating to the determination of a quorum of the senate or house of representatives.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025) Introduced by Daniel Alders and 72 co-sponsors

Constitutional amendment changes Texas Legislature's quorum determination rules to modify how minimum attendance is verified for conducting legislative business.

Referred to House Administration
#legislature(i0520) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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Bill Summary · HJR 10

Legislative bill overview

HJR 10 proposes a constitutional amendment that would change how the Texas Legislature determines whether a quorum (minimum required attendance) exists in the Senate or House of Representatives. Currently, the Texas Constitution requires a quorum to be physically present to conduct business. This amendment would modify those quorum requirements, though the specific mechanism is not detailed in the bill summary available.

Why is this important

Quorum rules are fundamental to legislative operations—they ensure that a minimum number of members are present before votes occur, preventing a small faction from passing laws without adequate representation. Changes to quorum requirements can affect how easily legislation passes and whether absent members can block proceedings through quorum breaks, a tactic historically used in Texas during contentious political moments.

Potential points of contention

  • Virtual participation concerns: The amendment may enable remote voting or quorum counting, raising questions about whether members should be physically present for legislative deliberations
  • Minority protections: Stricter quorum rules could protect legislative minorities; looser rules could allow majorities to proceed more efficiently but with less oversight
  • Implementation ambiguity: The actual language defining the new quorum determination method would significantly impact its effect and warrant careful scrutiny before passage

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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